We were asked by Bristol Rugby to explore ways of gaining publicity with the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. We came up with the idea of Two Bristol Rugby scrum halves attempting to pass a rugby ball between two hot air balloons. Shaun Perry and Graham Beveridge were asked to have a go at the challenge and both were keen to be involved despite being given the week off by head coach Richard Hill. Shaun however later confessed to a fear of heights and had to admit that he was a little nervous. The Bristol Rugby duo were strapped into separate baskets with pilot restraints and took to the sky to attempt to pass a premiership rugby ball between the two baskets. The initial aim was to successfully complete a single pass each but, after a few attempts, they were flipping the ball between the baskets with ease. The balloons were tethered due to weather but they were certainly moving around a lot in the windy conditions. It caused a lot of interest at the fiesta and was the lead story on BBC and ITV. It was also covered by the local newspapers. Both players commented that it was a great experience and they really enjoyed being part of it. Shaun even said that it may even encourage him to try and get over his fear of heights and go for a full balloon ride. The players were then joined by Mark Irish, Wayne Thompson and Dave Attwood, also of Bristol Rugby, to train the under 9 players from the local combination clubs of Avonmouth, St Bearnadettes, St Mary’s and Cheddar Valley in the fiesta arena.

Picture: Shaun pleased to be back on the ground after completing the challenge.